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Author Notes:My grandma cuts these in two-bite-size pieces (they're very rich and sweet!) and serves them in mini muffin papers. —Sarah Jampel

Makes: 5 dozen tiny pieces

For the brownies:

4
squares (4 ounces) unsweetened baking chocolate

2
sticks salted butter

4
eggs

2
cups sugar

1
teaspoon vanilla extract

1
cup sifted flour

1
cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Marshmallows (enough to cover the pan)

For the frosting:

2
squares (2 ounces) unsweetened baking chocolate

1
stick salted butter

3
cups confectioners' sugar

1/4
cup milk

12
marshmallows

Grease a 9- by 13-inch baking pan and heat the oven to 350° F.

In the top of a double boiler, melt the chocolate and the butter together. Let cool.

Beat the eggs and the sugar well, then beat in the chocolate mixture and the vanilla extract. Add the sifted flour and nuts, if using, and stir until just combined. Pour into prepared pan and bake for 25 to 30 minutes (grandma says, "or more").

Meanwhile, quarter enough marshmallows to cover the top of the pan.

When the brownies are almost finished, make the frosting: Melt chocolate, marshmallows, and butter in the top of a double boiler. Add sugar and milk and beat until smooth (grandma says, "Beat until ready").

Remove baked brownies from the oven and immediately cover with the quartered marshmallows—no need to be dainty. Pour frosting over top and smooth with a nonstick spatula. Allow to cool completely before slicing into small pieces (I like to stick them in the freezer for an hour or so, and I then store them there, in a plastic container, too.)

I just made these, but had to increase the baking time to 45 minutes. I will definitely make again, but will put the brownies back into the over under the broiler for a few minutes after I add the marshmallows next time. I think the 'mallows would be amazing with a little browning before adding the frosting.

My Southern mother made these all the time, calling them "glorified brownies". It was my job to quarter the marshmallows, which was sticky and tedious work for a youngster. When questioned, she insisted that the full-size marshmallows were essential because they melted better and created more of an "ooze" when topped with the hot frosting.